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Skiing and snowshoeing

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Smiling boy holding snowshoesWoman cross-country skiing in forest

COVID-19 Alert

The GRCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario. The health, safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the community remain our highest priority. Please visit our COVID-19 Update page where you will find the most up-to-date information on impacts to GRCA programs and services. 

The following parks offer cross-country skiing, when conditions allow. The trails are also available for snowshoeing and winter hiking.

  • Check current conditions:
    Trail conditions are available on our Park and Activity Status page. Information is updated in real time as conditions change. To avoid disappointment, check the current status before arriving.

  • Cross-country skiiers please use the right side of the trail. Hikers and snowshoers please stay to the left side of the trail to avoid the ski tracks.
  • We will not be offering cross-country ski or snowshoe rentals in the 2020/2021 season. 

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo
Location: 625 Westmount Road North, Waterloo (Map)
  • Current Conditions: Current trail conditions are available on our Park and Activity Status page. Information is updated in real time as conditions change. To avoid disappointment, check the current status before arriving.
  • Phone: 519-884-6620
  • Email: LaurelCreekPark@grandriver.ca
  • Admission: Regular gate admission fees apply. See fees for details.
  • Hours: Please visit the Laurel Creek page or the Park and Activity Status page for hours of operation.
  • Trails: 4.5 kilometres of multi-use trails. Trails are groomed and track-set as conditions permit.
  • Dogs: Pets are welcome and must remain on a leash at all times.
  • More information: Visit the Laurel Creek page.
Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, Paris
Location: 468 Pinehurst Rd. (formerly Highway 24A), 10 kilometres north of Paris and 12 kilometres south of Cambridge. (Map)
  • Current Conditions: Current trail conditions are available on our Park and Activity Status page. Information is updated in real time as conditions change. To avoid disappointment, check the current status before arriving.
  • Phone: 519-442-4721
  • Email: PinehurstLakePark@grandriver.ca
  • Admission: Regular gate admission fees apply. See fees for details.
  • Hours: Please visit the Pinehurst Lake page or the Park and Activity Status page for hours of operation. 
  • Trails: 14 kilometers of multi-use trails. Trails are groomed and track-set as conditions permit. 
  • Dogs: Pets are welcome and must remain on a leash at all times.
  • More information: Visit the Pinehurst Lake page.
Shade's Mills Conservation Area, Cambridge
Location: 450 Avenue Road, Cambridge (Map)
  • Current Conditions: Current trail conditions are available on our Park and Activity Status page. Information is updated in real time as conditions change. To avoid disappointment, check the current status before arriving.
  • Phone: 519-621-3697
  • Email: ShadesMillsPark@grandriver.ca
  • Admission: Regular gate admission fees apply. See fees for details.
  • Hours: Please visit the Shade's Mills page or the Park and Activity Status page for hours of operation.
  • Trails: 10 kilometres of multi-use trails. Trails are groomed and track-set as conditions permit. Download the Shade's Mills brochure which includes a map.
  • Dogs: Pets are welcome and must remain on a leash at all times.
  • More information: Visit the Shade's Mills page.

Trail conditions descriptions

Trails are groomed and/or track-set for cross-country skiing, and the current condition of the trails will be marked as follows:

  • Recommended

    • The trail has been fully or partially groomed and/or track-set

  • Not Recommended (Indicates one or more of the following conditions)

    • Icy base (due to recent warm temperatures, rain or freezing rain)
    • Dangerous debris or obstacles on the trails
    • Some sections with patches that are more than 50% bare
    • A substantial snowfall has caused a delay in trail maintenance work

  • No Information (Indicates one or more of the following conditions)

    • Early in the season, the trails have not yet been mechanically groomed
    • Staff have not been on the trails since a recent, substantial snowfall
    • Staff have not been on the trails since a recent rainfall
    • Rapidly melting base has prevented staff from checking the conditions of the trails

  • Emergency Closure (Indicates one or more of the following conditions)

    • Emergency on the trail or in the park

    • High risk hazard on the trail or in the park, such as ice covered branches
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